My wife has an '06 3. Last week, the battery started to reach the end of its useful life and it was clear a replacement was needed as soon as possible since I didn't want her to be stuck out on the road somewhere.
General Information
The Battery Council International (BCI) determines specifications for lead-acid storage batteries. One of their functions is to provide a list of standard battery dimensions codified under the title of BCI Group number. Each group number specifies a given battery size in terms of length, width, and height, as well as the terminal polarity; left hand positive, right hand positive or centerline layout. Looking down on the top of the battery with the terminals closest to you, a R/H positive battery would have the positive terminal on your right. Finally, the terminal location is also listed - top, side or both top and side. BCI publishes a Battery Replacement Data Book each year and the latest 2009 edition costs ~ US $7. For more information, go to:
BCI Group Number charts can be easily found online. When seeking a replacement battery, securing one of the same group number as OEM will ensure correct fitment. Keep in mind that there may be some variation from the standard, depending on the manufacturer, which may require minor adjustments when fitting certain replacement batteries. Using a battery of opposite terminal polarity may result in the cables not being able to reach the terminals.
Battery Types Used in the 3
The '06 FSM lists specified battery types using Japan Industry Standard (JIS) type numbers. Two of the types listed, 50D20L and 75D23L are equivalent to BCI Group 35 in terms of dimensions and terminal polarity layout, according to the BCI Battery Replacement Data Book (2007 Edition).
The third type listed, 80D26L, is now fitted to late-model Canadian 3s, according to TheMAN. This type is equivalent to BCI Group 34R both dimensionally and in terms of terminal polarity layout. Although not listed in the '06 FSM, TheMAN states that the type 55D23L, equivalent to BCI Group 35, has been fitted to certain L3 (2.3 L) models.
The OEM battery in my wife's car was 3 years, 4 months old, a no-maintenance type made by Panasonic. The model number is (JIS) 50D20L and is molded on the battery top. It has R/H-POS polarity. After removal, I measured the case size to provide comparative data useful in selecting a replacement.
50D20L Dimensions L x W x H, inches (mm)
7 13/16 x 6 11/16 x 7 13/16 (198 x 170 x 198)
Note: Height measurement is to top surface of battery (clamping surface) and does not include terminal length.
JIS Battery Designation Code
This information is taken from the BCI Battery Replacement Data Book (2007 Edition). For example:
50 D 20 L
first 2-digits (50) = performance ranking
first letter (D) = classification by battery width x container height
next 2-digits (20) = approximate battery length in mm when multiplied by 10
Last letter (L) designates polarity. R = standard left-hand front positive terminal; L = reversed right-hand front positive terminal
Selected BCI Group Number Dimensions and Terminal Polarity (Generic)
BCI Group Number _____ L x W x H, inches (mm) _______ Polarity
35 ____________ 9 1/16 x 6 7/8 x 8 7/8 (230 x 175 x 225) ___ R/H-POS
34R ___________ 10 1/4 x 6 13/16 x 7 7/8 (260 x 173 x 200) _ R/H-POS
In the next post I'll cover battery selection and installation.
Happy Motoring!
General Information
The Battery Council International (BCI) determines specifications for lead-acid storage batteries. One of their functions is to provide a list of standard battery dimensions codified under the title of BCI Group number. Each group number specifies a given battery size in terms of length, width, and height, as well as the terminal polarity; left hand positive, right hand positive or centerline layout. Looking down on the top of the battery with the terminals closest to you, a R/H positive battery would have the positive terminal on your right. Finally, the terminal location is also listed - top, side or both top and side. BCI publishes a Battery Replacement Data Book each year and the latest 2009 edition costs ~ US $7. For more information, go to:
BCI Group Number charts can be easily found online. When seeking a replacement battery, securing one of the same group number as OEM will ensure correct fitment. Keep in mind that there may be some variation from the standard, depending on the manufacturer, which may require minor adjustments when fitting certain replacement batteries. Using a battery of opposite terminal polarity may result in the cables not being able to reach the terminals.
Battery Types Used in the 3
The '06 FSM lists specified battery types using Japan Industry Standard (JIS) type numbers. Two of the types listed, 50D20L and 75D23L are equivalent to BCI Group 35 in terms of dimensions and terminal polarity layout, according to the BCI Battery Replacement Data Book (2007 Edition).
The third type listed, 80D26L, is now fitted to late-model Canadian 3s, according to TheMAN. This type is equivalent to BCI Group 34R both dimensionally and in terms of terminal polarity layout. Although not listed in the '06 FSM, TheMAN states that the type 55D23L, equivalent to BCI Group 35, has been fitted to certain L3 (2.3 L) models.
The OEM battery in my wife's car was 3 years, 4 months old, a no-maintenance type made by Panasonic. The model number is (JIS) 50D20L and is molded on the battery top. It has R/H-POS polarity. After removal, I measured the case size to provide comparative data useful in selecting a replacement.
50D20L Dimensions L x W x H, inches (mm)
7 13/16 x 6 11/16 x 7 13/16 (198 x 170 x 198)
Note: Height measurement is to top surface of battery (clamping surface) and does not include terminal length.
JIS Battery Designation Code
This information is taken from the BCI Battery Replacement Data Book (2007 Edition). For example:
50 D 20 L
first 2-digits (50) = performance ranking
first letter (D) = classification by battery width x container height
next 2-digits (20) = approximate battery length in mm when multiplied by 10
Last letter (L) designates polarity. R = standard left-hand front positive terminal; L = reversed right-hand front positive terminal
Selected BCI Group Number Dimensions and Terminal Polarity (Generic)
BCI Group Number _____ L x W x H, inches (mm) _______ Polarity
35 ____________ 9 1/16 x 6 7/8 x 8 7/8 (230 x 175 x 225) ___ R/H-POS
34R ___________ 10 1/4 x 6 13/16 x 7 7/8 (260 x 173 x 200) _ R/H-POS
In the next post I'll cover battery selection and installation.
Happy Motoring!
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